Be sure to check out Carol Sanders’ recent article on an innovative WRHA program running in the downtown, Point Douglas and Inkster areas of Winnipeg: Partners in the Inner-city Prenatal Care (PIIPC) – aka “Pipsi”.

According to PIIPC, “in a recent two-year period, 103 women showed up at Women’s Hospital to give birth without ever having prenatal care. 63 of them were from the three neighbourhoods.” In response, the PIIPC program helps pregnant women get early and routine prenatal care to reach this goal, provides food, bus, and cab vouchers, childcare, and supportive programming.

Read the article: Help for moms and little ones – WInnipeg Free Press. Kudos to the WRHA, Healthy Baby, and all those who carry out the program!

I was glad to see Global TV bring attention again to the shortage of midwives in Manitoba. Check out the article and video here: No midwife positions available in Winnipeg: Manitoba Health.

The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba has announced the creation of a support line for women who have symptoms of postpartum depression. Friends and family members are also welcome to call the “warm line” which is available daily from 9am to 9pm at 204-391-5983. “It’s called WARM because you’re greeted by a warm, friendly voice… It’s all about connecting and giving moms the support they need,” said a spokesperson from the Association.

The service was established in response to the utterly tragic deaths of Lisa Gibson and her two children this past July.

The Mood Disorders Association has been working hard to increase awareness of postpartum depression and psychosis, and in September raised almost $4000 with its inaugural Run 4 Mums.